Wednesday, April 6, 2011

I was eating lunch by myself at a local Chinese restaurant today when I thought about Williame Jacques, the 10 year old boy that Julia and I sponsor in Haiti through Compassion International. I looked at the food on my plate and wondered what Williame was having for lunch . . . or if he was having lunch. At that moment I stopped and prayed for Williame and for his family. I prayed specifically that they would have nutritious food to eat today and that none of them would be hungry. Williame is one of seven kids and lives with both of his parents. His mom sometimes gets work in the market and his dad works as a laborer when jobs are available but neither of them has a full-time job. It would be hard to feed your family under those circumstances here in the U.S. but just imagine how hard that is in a country like Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Prayer changes things but mostly it changes me.

Julia and I don't sponsor Williame out of obligation or guilt, we sponsor him out of gratitude . . . gratitude for what Christ has done for us. Prayer is a big part of the change in our motivation. The more often I pray for someone or something, the closer I become to that person or thing. I wrote Williame a note today because I wanted him to know that I was thinking about him. I wanted him to know that I care about his well-being and the well-being of his family. I wanted him to know that I was praying for him. I think I'm starting to love that little 10 year old boy and prayer is an essential part of that. I may never love him like I love my own two sons but recalling the time when my sons were 10 years old helps me to see William as someone real and lovable. I'm thankful for that.

Who or what are you praying for? How is God changing your heart through prayer?

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About Ken

Christ follower. Regular guy. Blessed far beyond what I deserve. Learning to be content in whatever circumstance I am. More liberal in my politics than most of my friends (but most of my friends lean heavily to the right). Husband of Julia, father of Zack & Peter and father-in-law of Laura and Heather.
Contributing writer to Bay Area Christian Family Magazine, Coastal Christian Family Magazine, Atlanta Christian Family Magazine, Relevant Magazine, MTL (More to Life) Magazine, CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) Retailer+Resources Magazine, www.ReveLife.com, Field Representative for Cokesbury, a publishing and distribution division of the United Methodist Publishing House